Meet the team behind Inspero.
We are a dedicated group of local people with a shared passion for helping our community thrive through our Basingstoke charity.
OUR VALUES
Trustees
Catherine founded Inspero in May 2012, and leads a vibrant and compassionate organisation. A passionate social entrepreneur, she contributes to her community locally and abroad. With experience across private, public, and voluntary sectors, Catherine has held diverse roles, including Research Scientist, IT Manager, Social Justice Adviser, and Youth Manager. Volunteering since age nine, she remains dedicated to improving lives by delivering services that educate, support, and positively impact local people.
Samia works full-time in a leading IT organisation. She’s passionate about helping children with their learning, progress, and wellbeing.
As Chair of Trustees, Samia is dedicated to creating opportunities that inspire children to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Her mix of professional skills and personal passion helps drive the charity’s mission to make a real difference in young lives.
Jacqueline McConville is a professional qualified Catering Tutor with over 20 years experience at senior management level in the hospitality industry.
She is passionate about teaching children to cook and finds her extensive experience in the classroom working with children very rewarding.
Songul, Head of Computing at a Basingstoke academy, champions life skills in education and advocates for children’s well-being. Drawing on her Mediterranean culinary background, she enhances Inspero programs with healthy food options. As a trustee, traveller, and educator, she works to further the mission of the charity and ensure every child thrives.
Tutors & Staff
“After 23 years as head gardener at the Colmans estate, retirement allowed me to reflect on my fulfilling horticultural career .Though retirement was welcome, my passion for gardening never faded. When I discovered Inspero’s community garden, it was the perfect opportunity to return to my roots. As Rumi said, “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” Joining Inspero has allowed me to share my skills and inspire others to embrace the joy of gardening that has shaped my life.”
“It all starts with a passion for food. I’ve been interested in cooking since I was young, always wanting to help my mum in the kitchen. I trained for three years at BCoT, developing my culinary skills. I’ve been with Inspero from the beginning, first as a member of the Cookery Club, collecting recipes and building my skills. Now, as a Chef at Inspero, I love inspiring young people in cooking and food knowledge, and I enjoy helping children cook over an open fire at Forest School.”
Clare uses craft to inspire children to think creatively and positively about food, nature, and the environment around them. She loves to encourage children to use their imagination to create wonderful masterpieces to take home or display as garden art in our vibrant community spaces. Craft activities not only help to boost flexibility and increase fine motor coordination, but also build self-esteem — all while providing plenty of fun and enjoyment!
Our partnerships with local organisations and businesses are also crucial to our success.
We are extremely grateful to have the support of the following partners, organisations and local supermarkets:
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to empower and support individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by connecting them to the power of food, nature, and community and the integral roles they play in our lives. Through hands-on learning and well-being programmes, we inspire positive lifestyle changes that nurture both body and mind.
